* Open Diary: Chronicling The Hidden World Of Girls. "As part of the Hidden World of Girls project, we're looking to create a database of intimate diary entries. With enough of them, they could form a comprehensive tapestry — from elation to depression — of life experiences. We already have a small collection on Flickr."

* Taking Surprising Risks For The Ideal Body. "Every culture has its idealized woman — a standard of beauty that is sought and valorized. And everywhere around the world, women are altering themselves to achieve the look that is celebrated, from cosmetics to liposuction. The Jamaican vision of beauty keeps evolving."

* For Traveller Women In Ireland, Life Is Changing. "Travellers, "the people of walking," are often referred to as the Gypsies of Ireland. Mistrusted for the most part, their traditions and lifestyle are not well understood within the larger culture. Historically, they were nomads who moved in caravans and lived in encampments on the side of the road. Their tradition as "tinkers" or tinsmiths, and as the breeders and traders of some of Ireland's best horses, goes back hundreds of years."

I was driving in the car with my friend when the photographing inmates segment was on. When it ended there was a long, quiet silence while I recomposed myself a bit.posted by basicchannel at 10:24 AM on July 2, 2010

Oh, and perhaps the faux-Glass score helped. That shit does it to me every time.posted by basicchannel at 10:26 AM on July 2, 2010

The Hidden World Of Girls.

I knew it! I was right all these years! And the other Cub Scouts had the temerity to call me mad...posted by Halloween Jack at 11:23 AM on July 2, 2010 [1 favorite]

Oh, and perhaps the faux-Glass score helped.

I'm 95% sure you mean Philip Glass here, but I first thought you were referring to This American Life type musical underscore. (Which I know lots of people hate but I actually like.)posted by kmz at 12:11 PM on July 2, 2010

* In The West Bank, Women With A Need For Speed.A group of Palestinian women has entered the male-dominated world of car racing in the Arab world. The women, who call themselves the Speed Sisters, are breaking stereotypes -- and raising the concerns of some Palestinian men who say the racetrack is no place for females.posted by zarq at 7:08 PM on July 2, 2010

jokeefe, the links explain that these are coming of age stories. Secret identities, diary entries, secret stories told between girls, secret dreams, cultural rituals etc. What drives girls as they pass into womanhood. Things like that may be hidden from the world at large, but they can lay a foundation for the women those girls become.posted by zarq at 7:12 PM on July 2, 2010

That segment on Travellers was disappointing. The weddings and caravans are the most visible aspect of their lives, sure. But they're under huge cultural pressure that is killing off their traditions and history. At the same time, pitching those traditions against contemporary life is hugely problematic, and there are significant issues with the role and value of women in traveller communities. I would have expected a little more focus on those issues.posted by DarlingBri at 8:32 PM on July 2, 2010

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